Cubs Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Ryno Trade

Franchise icon Ryne Sandberg's arrival in 1982 changed the future of Wrigley Field baseball

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Chicago Cubs are commemorating the 40th anniversary of the blockbuster trade that brought Hall of Fame second baseman Ryne Sandberg to the team in 1982. The deal, which sent shortstops Ivan de Jesus and Larry Bowa to the Philadelphia Phillies, is considered one of the most lopsided trades in Cubs history and helped shape the franchise's future at Wrigley Field.

Why it matters

Sandberg went on to become one of the greatest Cubs players of all time, earning induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. The trade is seen as a pivotal moment that altered the trajectory of the Cubs organization and its loyal fanbase at Wrigley Field.

The details

Cubs general manager Dallas Green essentially outmaneuvered Phillies GM Paul Owens, refusing to complete the deal without Sandberg included. Ryno would go on to have a storied 15-year career in Chicago, making 10 All-Star teams, winning the 1984 National League MVP award, and helping lead the Cubs to the playoffs in 1984 and 1989.

  • The trade was finalized on January 27, 1982.
  • Ryne Sandberg was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 31, 2005.
  • Sandberg's jersey was retired by the Cubs on August 28, 2005.
  • Sandberg's statue was dedicated at Wrigley Field on June 23, 2004.

The players

Ryne Sandberg

A Hall of Fame second baseman who spent his entire 15-year MLB career with the Chicago Cubs, making 10 All-Star teams and winning the 1984 NL MVP award.

Dallas Green

The Cubs' general manager at the time of the Sandberg trade, who outmaneuvered his Phillies counterpart to acquire the future Hall of Famer.

Paul Owens

The general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies who was outmatched by Green in the trade negotiations that sent Sandberg to the Cubs.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Cubs are planning a special anniversary celebration at Wrigley Field later this season to honor Ryne Sandberg's legacy and the trade that brought him to the team.

The takeaway

The Sandberg trade is a landmark moment in Cubs history, as it brought one of the franchise's all-time greats to the Friendly Confines and helped shape the team's success in the 1980s and beyond. The trade's impact is still felt today, with Sandberg's legacy as a Cubs icon cemented through his Hall of Fame induction, jersey retirement, and statue at Wrigley Field.